Prevalence of Forward Head Posture Amongst Physiotherapy Students - A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Forward head posture (FHP) described as excessive anterior positioning of the head in relation to a vertical reference line, involving increased cervical spine lordosis (upper cervical spine extended, lower cervical spine flexed) and rounded shoulders with thoracic kyphosis in later stages. Prevalence of forward head posture is high amongst children and adolescents due to excessive use of mobile phones and laptops. But very less studies have been done in India amongst physiotherapy students though their work routine is in prolonged standing position with neck flexed. So, aim of the study is to study the prevalence of FHP amongst population and further progression of this postural abnormality can be prevented. Materials and methodology: 60 participants were recruited according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Craniovertebral angle were evaluated through photogrammetry method, through Surgimap. Results: In this study 60 students were evaluated, consisting of 40 females and 20 males. From 20 males, 12 males were identified as having FHP (60%), and the 40 females evaluated from that 30 females were identified as having forward FHP (75%). In this study the prevalence of total physiotherapy students identified having FHP is 42 out of 60, that is 70%. Conclusion: Present study shows that prevalence of FHP amongst physiotherapy population is 70%. Key words: forward head posture, Craniovertebral angle, Surgimap, physiotherapy.

Comparison of Stress and Quality of Life Among Clinical and Non-Clinical Physiotherapists

“…(1) Similarly, a study by Bhakti et al in 2017 revealed a significant prevalence of stress among physiotherapy students in Gujarat, with approximately 32% of students affected. (22) Ines Carmona-Barrientos et al (2020) detected a high prevalence of occupational stress among physiotherapists in Cadiz, Spain, where more than half of the sample experienced moderate to high levels of stress. (23) On the other hand, a study conducted by Dibyendunarayan et al in 2017 highlighted a strong positive relationship between the mental component of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and student satisfaction levels.…”

Evaluation of the pattern of neck pain with forward head posture (fhp) among sewing machine operators- A cross-sectional study

“…Sixty-three (6.67%) of the sewing machine users displayed a forward head position, even though a CVA of 50 ̊ or higher was thought to be the proper head position. Numerous studies have reported the high incidence of FHP in a range of positions with comparable postures, including call centre operators, dentists, display terminal employees, and office workers (17) (21). These investigations also revealed a low-negative connection between the intensity of neck pain and CVA.…”